BBC 6 minute English - Business English Misunderstandings

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Feifei: Hello and welcome to another episode of 6 Minute English with me Feifei. Neil: And me Neil. Feifei: How are you Neil and what are we talking about today? Neil: I’m very well, and today we’re talking about misunderstandings. A famousFrench writer once said that "Language is the source of misunderstandings"and with me in the studio today are colleagues Conrado and Stephani, whohave come in to tell us all about a misunderstanding they had recently. Conrado and Stephani, welcome. Stephani: Thank you. Conrado: Thank you. Neil: So, tell us about your story. Conrado: Well, we work in the same company, but in different offices. And one day Iwas speaking to Stephani on the phone, and I asked her a question, andshe didn’t know the answer, so she said "hang on". Stephani: ‘Hang on’ means wait. I wanted him to wait while I found the answer. Conrado: But I got confused, I thought ‘hang on’ was the same as ‘hang up’, and‘hang up’ means ‘put the phone down, finish the phone call’Stephani: So when I came back with the answer, he was gone! So I called him backand told him the answer, then he asked another question, so I said ‘hangon’ again, and again he was gone! Three times I had to call him back! Conrado: I didn’t understand why she was getting angry with me. She got reallyangry actually, before we sorted it out. Neil: Hang up, hang on… That’s a really good one! Feifei: If only you’d had Business Betty there to help…Neil: Ah Business Betty. (The door opens) Ooh here she is now. Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty! BB: Hello! Neil: Hello Betty and may I say you’re looking absolutely fantastic as ever. BB: Thank you Neil and how can I help you? Neil: We need some tips on avoiding misunderstandings. BB: Certainly. If language is the source of misunderstandings, the best way toavoid misunderstandings at work is to check what people mean whenthey’re talking to you. There are several ways to do this. You can simplysay "What do you mean by that?" Neil: What do you mean by that? BB: That’s right. Or you can tell the person what you think they mean, in yourown words. Say "Do you mean…?" Neil: Do you mean…? BB: Or "So, are you saying…?" Neil: So, are you saying…? BB: Or "Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…?" Neil: Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…? BB: Good Neil. You can say "Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are yousaying…?" Neil: Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you saying…? BB: Or you can ask the other person to explain what they mean. Saysomething like "Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?" Neil: Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that? BB: Or say "Sorry, could you go over that again?" Neil: Sorry, could you go over that again? BB: "Could you expand on that?" Neil: Could you expand on that? BB: And finally, another way to avoid misunderstandings is to check that theperson you’re talking to has understood you. Just ask them! Saysomething like "Is that clear?" Feifei: Is that clear? BB: Or, after an explanation, say "Does that make everything clear?" Feifei: Does that make everything clear? BB: And never forget the golden rule of avoiding misunderstandings – if indoubt, ask! It’s better to ask now than make a mistake later. Neil: Thanks Betty. BB: You’re welcome. Bye! Neil/FF: Bye! (Door closes)Neil: She’s so good… don’t you think so, Conrado and Stephani?